Disney has unveiled a new teaser trailer for its upcoming live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, giving fans a first glimpse at Melissa McCarthy’s portrayal of the infamous sea witch, Ursula. In the 30-second preview, a dark tentacle partially obscures McCarthy’s face, and the trailer ends with her evil cackle.
The trailer also features Halle Bailey as Ariel, swimming through coral reefs and interacting with jellyfish. A brief moment between Ariel and Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, is also shown.
The reimagined Little Mermaid has already garnered excitement from Disney fans, particularly young Black girls who see themselves reflected in Bailey’s portrayal of the mermaid princess.
When the first trailer was released in September, it received praise from Black Disney fans of all ages for its casting choices.
Parents shared videos of their children’s reactions to Bailey as Ariel, with one young girl shouting excitedly and saying, “She’s brown like me. I’m so excited.”
The live-action film retells the 1989 animated classic, following Ariel, a young mermaid who makes a deal with Ursula to gain legs and live on land to be with Prince Eric, at the cost of her voice. The film also stars Javier Bardem as King Triton, Daveed Diggs as Sebastian the crab, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder, and Awkwafina as Scuttle the seagull.
Fans of the original animated film and newcomers alike highly anticipate Disney’s latest adaptation of The Little Mermaid. The film has already garnered attention for its diverse casting, with Melissa McCarthy taking on the role of Ursula, the villainous sea witch.
The teaser trailer provides a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come, showing Halle Bailey as Ariel, swimming through vibrant coral reefs and interacting with jellyfish. The brief moment between Ariel and Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, has already sparked speculation about the film’s romantic storyline.
In addition to McCarthy, the film features a talented ensemble cast, including Javier Bardem as King Triton, Daveed Diggs as Sebastian the crab, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder, and Awkwafina as Scuttle the seagull. Each of these actors brings their own unique style and energy to the film, adding to its overall excitement.
The Little Mermaid is a timeless tale about following your dreams and embracing your individuality, themes that resonate with audiences of all ages. With its gorgeous visuals, talented cast, and classic storyline, the film will surely be a hit when it arrives in theatres on May 26, 2023.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the original animated film or discovering The Little Mermaid for the first time, this live-action adaptation promises a magical journey you won’t want to miss.
